Originally published via Social Investment Business

This page covers all the areas for which customers can access support from the government and the wider sector in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak. For more information on the measures detailed below, visit the dedicated government guidance on support for businesses here.

This page will be updated regularly to reflect any new developments or announcements.

Government Advice on the UK Lockdown

The UK is currently in lockdown, with the public issued advice as of 23 March to stay at home and to:

• Only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work
• Stay 2 meters (6ft) away from other people
• Wash your hands as soon as you get home

Read more of the Government’s advice on staying at home here. For many charities and social enterprises, this advice will mean a drastic shift in their service delivery. We’ve included resources on coping with this – including remote working – further on down the page.

Government £750 million Coronavirus support package for Charities

On 8 April 2020, the Chancellor announced a £750 million package of support to ensure charities can continue vital work during the coronavirus outbreak.  £750 million of funding will be made available for frontline charities across the UK.

This includes:

• £360 million direct from Government departments, allocated to charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the crisis
• £370 million will be made available for smaller to medium sized charities, including through a grant to the National Lottery Community Fund for those in England. This will support organisations at the heart of local communities, including those delivering food, essential medicines and providing financial advice.
• The Government will match donations to the National Emergencies Trust as part of the BBC’s Big Night In fundraiser – pledging a minimum of £20 million.

The £360 million direct funding from government will be allocated by government departments, including:

• Hospices to help increase capacity and give stability to the sector.
• St John’s Ambulance
• Victims charities, including domestic abuse
• Vulnerable children charities
• Citizens Advice

The Government is working to identify priority recipients, aiming to disburse funding within weeks. The National Lottery Community Fund grant pot is expected within a similar timeframe.

Government Support for Businesses Affected by COVID-19

Update: the Government has created a dedicated website to help navigate through the different forms of government support currently available for businesses. This also includes case studies, videos and signposting to the latest coronavirus information and support. They have also published a list of support for businesses from outside Government.

Overview of Support Measures

• Statutory sick pay refund for SMEs
• Business rates relief (see eligibility criteria)
• Cash grants for small businesses (see eligibility criteria)
• Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
• Mortgage payment holidays of up to three months
• Insurance
• UK government to pay up to 80% of employee wages (see eligibility criteria)
• VAT deferral for all UK businesses

Statutory Sick Pay Refund

• Businesses will receive a refund for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) covering two weeks per employee who has been off work because of COVID-19.
• SSP is currently paid at £94.25 / week and new legislation will mean that employees are eligible from day one of sickness.
• The eligible period for the scheme will commence the day after the regulations on the extension of SSP to self-isolators comes into force (i.e. after Coronavirus Bill is passed – see below).
• Employers can reclaim expenditure for any employee who has claimed SSP.

Who is eligible for this support:

• Any business with under 250 employees

How to access this support:

• Employers should maintain records of staff absences, but employees will not need to provide a GP fit note.
• Government will work with employers to set up the repayment mechanism as soon as possible.

Business Rates Relief

• No business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England for the tax year 2020-2021, irrespective of rateable value.
• Businesses that received retail discount in 2019-2020 tax year will be rebilled by local authority asap

Eligibility criteria

• All businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector – the government published guidance for local authorities on determining eligibility criteria for business rate relief here.
• Eligible pubs will also be entitled to a business rate discount of £5,000.

How to access this support

• Enquiries on eligibility for reliefs should be directed to local authority. Guidance on business rates relief will be published by 20 March.

Cash Grants for Small Businesses

• Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF): £10,000 – £25,000 cash grants (dependent on size) available for the smallest businesses in the retail, hospitality or leisure sectors.
• Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF): £10,000 grant funding for small businesses that already pay little or no business rates (because they already receive Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief).

Eligibility criteria

• RHLGF: £25,000 grants – retail, hospitality and leisure businesses operating from premises with a rateable value between £15,000 – £51,000. £10,000 grants available for businesses operating from premises with a ratable value under £15,000.
• Update: Any business that is eligible for the Expanded Retail Discount (see guidance) will be able to access RHLGF, this includes: charity shops, museums, galleries, historic houses, sport charity facilities, theatres, public halls, and clubhouses, clubs and institutions. More information can be found on the Charity Tax Group website.
  Clarification: Charities which would otherwise meet this criteria but whose business rate bill for 11 March had been reduced to nil by a local discretionary award should still be considered to be eligible for the RHLGF.
• SBGF – £10,000 grants for businesses currently receiving for Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief.

How to access this support:

• RHLGF: Retail, hospitality and leisure businesses should contact their local authority with any enquiries on eligibility or access to this relief.
• SBGF: Businesses eligible for Small Business Rates Relief and Rural Rate Relief will be contacted by their local authority, there is no need to apply.
• Update: the government has published guidance on the eligibility and delivery of the RHLGF and SBGF  
• Update: the Government has published guidance for businesses setting out details of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF).

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

• To support long-term viable businesses who may need to respond to cash flow-pressures by seeking additional finance.
• This will be delivered by the British Business Bank and will support loans of up to £5m.
• The Government will provide lenders with a guarantee of 80% on each loan to give lenders confidence.
• Businesses can access the first 6 months of finance interest free (the Government will cover the interest payments for six months).
• As well as loans there will be many other types of finance supported by the programme, depending on the partner provider – more information on accredited lenders and partners can be found here.

Eligibility criteria:

• UK based, with turnover of no more than £41m per annum.
• Operate within an eligible industrial sector (a small number of sectors are not eligible for support – see eligibility restrictions here).
• Be able to confirm that they have not received State aid beyond €200,000 equivalent over the current and previous two fiscal years.
• Have a sound borrowing proposal, but insufficient security to meet the lender’s requirements.
• The big four banks have agreed that they will not take personal guarantees as security for lending below £250,000 under CBILS

How to access this support:

• The scheme has launched – more information can be found on the British Business Bank website.

SIB: Recovery & Resilience Loan Fund

• SIB, alongside Big Society Capital and other social investment partners, will be managing the £25 million Resilience & Recovery Loan Fund (RRLF) providing repayable finance to charities and social enterprises directly affected by COVID-19.
• RRLF will offer emergency loans with flexibility in terms, including: 12-month interest-free and no arrangement fee, with no personal guarantees required.
• The fund provides access to the existing Coronavirus Business Interruption Scheme. SIB will issue the loan, working initially with delivery partners Big Issue Invest, Charity Bank and Social and Sustainable Capital.
• The initial £25 million will be provided by Big Society Capital, who is aiming to repurpose up to a further £50 million to address the needs of charities and social enterprises.
• More information on the RRLF can be found here.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

• All UK employers with a PAYE scheme will be able to access support to continue paying up to 80% of their employees’ salary under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to safeguard potential redundancies.
• This applies to employees who have been asked to stop working, but are being kept on the pay roll, which is also known as ‘furloughed workers’: HMRC will reimburse 80% of their wages (up to £2,500 per month).
• To qualify, workers should not undertake work while they are furloughed, though they will remain employed.
• The scheme will cover the cost of wages backdated to 1 March and is primarily open for three months, but will be prolonged if necessary.
• Guidance for employers on the scheme can be found here, guidance for employees can be found here. There is also an eligibility checker.

Eligibility criteria:

• All UK-wide employers with a PAYE scheme will be eligible – this includes the public sector, Local Authorities and charities.

How to access this support:

• HMRC are working to set up a repayment system as a priority, but in the meantime, you will need to:
  
  • Identify affected employees as ‘furloughed workers,’ and let your employees that you will be making this change – any change to the status of employees remains subject to existing employment law and, depending on the employment contract, may need to be subject to negotiation.
  • The new online portal is now live.

HMRC Time To Pay Service

• Businesses and self-employed in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities may be eligible to receive support through HMRC’s Time to Pay Service.
• This allows businesses and the self-employed to defer tax payments over an agreed period of time.
• HMRC have detailed guidance on Time to Pay arrangements here.

Eligibility criteria:

• Arrangements are made on a case by case basis and are tailored to individual circumstances and liabilities.

How to access this support:

• HMRC have a dedicated coronavirus helpline for advice and support on 0800 0159 559 – opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, and Saturday 8am to 4pm.

Insurance Arrangements

• Businesses with cover for pandemics and government-ordered closure will be covered after the Government and Association of British Insurers agreed that the advice from 17 March to avoid pubs, theatres etc is sufficient to make a claim.

Eligibility criteria

• Insurance policy with pandemic business interruption coverage.
• However, most businesses are unlikely to be covered as standard interruption insurance policies are dependent on damage to property and will exclude pandemics.

How to access this support:

• The Association of British Insurers advises businesses to check their cover and discuss concerns with brokers.

VAT Deferral

• The Government will defer the next quarter of VAT payments for firms.
• All businesses will be given until the end of financial year to repay any liabilities.

Eligibility criteria

• No business will pay VAT from 20 March 2020 until 30 June 2020.

How to access this support:

• This support is available automatically, with no applications required.

Protection from eviction for commercial tenants

• Commercial tenants who cannot pay rent because of COVID-19 will be protected from eviction
• No business will automatically forfeit their leis or be forced out of premises if they miss a payment up to 30 June 2020 – this could be extended by Government if needed.
• This is not a rental holiday – tenants are still liable for rent.

Eligibility criteria

• All commercial tenants in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

How to access this support:

• This will come into force with the Coronavirus Bill – no action is required.

Government Support for the Self-Employed Affected by COVID-19

On Thursday 26 March, Chancellor Rishi Sunak outlined a package of support measures targeted at the self-employed.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

• Self-employed workers are allowed to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the next 3 months – this can be extended if necessary.

Eligibility criteria:

• ­Must have submitted Income Tax Self-Assessment tax return for the year 2018/19
• Must have traded in the tax year 2019-20
• Are trading when applying to the scheme, or would be except for COVID-19
• Intend to continue to trade in the tax year 2020-21
• Have lost trading/partnership trading profits due to coronavirus.
• Have trading profits less than £50,000 and more than half total income from self-employment.
• If only trading between 2016-2019, HMRC will only use those years for which a Self-Assessment tax return has been filed.
• If a tax return for 2018-19 has not been already submitted, the deadline to do so is by 23 April 2020.

How to access this support:

• This scheme is not open yet – HMRC will get in contact with those who are eligible with an invitation to apply online. Individuals should not contact HMRC now.
• More information on the Self-employed Income Support Scheme can be found here.
• MoneySavingExpert has also published helpful guidance and FAQs on this support package.

Government Guidance for Organisations

The Government has published guidance for organisations working in specific sectors which might be relevant to SIB customers, these can be accessed below:

• Guidance for the charity sector
• COVID-19 guidance for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations
• Guidance for employers and businesses on coronavirus
• Guidance for social or community care and residential settings
• Guidance for education settings
• Guidance for public bodies or local authorities on procurement
• Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
• Guidance on closing certain businesses and venues
• Guidance on processing ticket refunds for cancelled charity events during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Coronavirus Bill

The Coronavirus Bill was introduced on 19 March 2020. This brings in new powers to boost NHS resources, ease legislative rules and support businesses and workers.

Some relevant aspects for SIB customers include:

• Remove restrictions to allow recently those who have recently left care roles to ensure care of vulnerable people and children can continue.
• Local authorities could be asked to prioritise social services to ensure most urgent and serious care needs are met – meaning some people might not have social care needs met during peak outbreak.

The full explanatory notes on the Coronavirus Bill can be viewed here.

NCVO have written a useful blog analysing what the coronavirus means for charities.

Updates from the Charity Commission

The Charity Commission have issued a statement detailing that charities can contact them to request an extension to their annual return deadline. They have also reassured charities that their approach to regulation during this period will be as flexible and supportive as possible.

To get in touch with the Charity Commission, you can call them Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm on 0300 066 9197.

Updates from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) holds responsibility for civil society, the Secretary of State is Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP, and the Minister for Civil Society is Baroness Barran.

In a press release from 18 March 2020 they announced that the department is working closely with the civil society sector – including the National Emergencies Trust, NCVO and the British Red Cross – on how to galvanise volunteers and coordinate help to those who need it.

More details are expected to be announced on this over the coming days.

Updates from the National Lottery Community Fund

On 3 April 2020, the NLCF have a released a statement on funding during COVID-19.

All funding decisions for the next six months will prioritise getting funding to groups best placed to support their communities, focusing initially on existing grant-holders and applicatnts.

Priority will be given to:

• Organisations supporting people at high risk from COVID-19
• Organisations supporting communities most likely to face increased demand and challenges as a direct result of COVID-19
• Organisations with high potential to support communities with the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19

Further updates from the NLCF will be hosted on their dedicated COVID-19 page.

Update – On 8 April 2020, it was announced that the National Lottery Community Fund will be receiving a significant grant pot from the Government’s £370 million charity funding package for small-medium charities in England.

More information about this fund is expected over the coming weeks.

National COVID-19 Support Funds

Arts & Culture

Arts Council: Emergency Funding Package

• The Arts Council are making £160m of emergency funding available for organisations and individuals in need during this crisis.
• £90m will be available to National Portfolio Organisations, £50m for cultural organisations
  not currently in receipt of Arts Council funding, and £20m will be made available for individuals working in the cultural sector, including artists, creative practitioners and freelancers.
• They have also changed the funding requirements for individuals and organisations who are currently receiving their funding.

Authors Emergency Fund

• Emergency grant fund for professional authors in the UK, including writers, illustrators, literary translators, scriptwriters, poets, journalists and others, for whom author-related activities make up a substantial amount of their annual income.
• Grants are likely to be up to £2,000 and designed to meet urgent need.
• More information here.

Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund

• BFI and the Film & TV Charity have partnered to create a new COVID-19 emergency fund to support the creative community affected by the pandemic.
• Established with £1m from Netflix, the fund will provide emergency short term relief to active workers and freelancers who have been affected by the closure of productions.
• More information can be found here.

Help for Musicians – Coronavirus Financial Hardship Fund

• A new £5m fund specifically created to alleviate some of the immediate financial pressures that professional musicians may be facing.
• Eligible musicians are able to apply for a one-off payment of £500 – more information can be found here.

Youth Music Emergency Fund

• Offering additional support to music-making organisations affected by coronavirus. Grants of up to £10,000 are available and organisations do not need to have held a Youth Music grant previously to apply.
• More information on the emergency fund and applications can be found here.

CDFIs & Credit Unions

Community Investment Enterprise Facility

• £30m Community Investment Enterprise Facility established by Big Society Capital and managed by Social Investment Scotland to help meet the needs of CDFIs, build a better understanding of the financial and social impact performance of CDFI lending, and test models of funding for CDFIs to attract other mission driven investors.
• It will invest in up to five CDFIs across the UK to meet the needs of underserved small enterprises that have a positive impact in the communities where they operate.
• It is anticipated that the initial round of investment will be into partners who helped develop the Facility with the intention to expand the reach over time through this facility or by future initiatives.
• To find out more information, contact Social Investment Scotland.

Fair4All Finance – COVID-19 Resilience and Affordable Credit Scale-up Programme

• Providing up to £5m in grant funding to CDFIs and credit unions in England
• An expanded Affordable Credit Scale-up Programme will help the sector to plat its part in the 10x growth challenge in the delivery of affordable credit to vulnerable people
• More information here.

Charities and other organisations supporting vulnerable groups / communities

CAF Coronavirus Emergency Fund

• Fund to help smaller charitable organisations in the UK affected by COVID-19 – grants of up to £10,000 are available.
• This is a rapid response fund, aiming to make payments to selected organisations within 14 days of application.
• Eligible organisations should have a charitable purpose and charitable activities, with an income of £1m or less in the last financial year.
• More information on eligibility, timescales and applications can be found here.

Clothworkers’ Emergency Capital Programme

• Small capital grants of up to £5,000 for essential capital items to adapt or increase services in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
• Priority will be given to organisations supporting vulnerable and ‘at risk’ groups within the Clothworker’s programme areas during this period.
• More information here.

Esmee Fairbairn Foundation

• The Esmee Fairbairn foundation is making an additional £16m of funding available this year in response the COVID-19 crisis.
• £14m has been allocated in fast-response grants to be offered to some of the organisations they currently work with across all sectors.
• £2m is being made available for contributions to emergency funding schemes in collaboration with others.
• They are closed to new applications so they can focus support on the organisations they currently work with.
• More information here.

The Fore & Trusts Fund – RAFT Fund

• Rapid Action by the Fore and Trusts Fund will provide grants for high- quality, well-managed small charities and social enterprises with great leadership doing vital work in their communities.
• Initially accepting 500 applications, with places allocated on first come first served basis – open to registered charities, CICs, CIOs and CBSs with annual incomes below £500,000
• More information here.

Greggs Foundation – Coronavirus Emergency Appeal

• Urgent food parcels, hardship payments and small grants (average £500) to charities, community groups and schools supporting the most vulnerable people in communities.
• More information here.

Halifax Foundations – Covid-19 Related Grants

• Halifax Foundation has stated that Covid-19 related applications designed to support the community at this time of crisis will be prioritised and turned around as quickly as possible.
• Small (up to £2,500) and medium (£2,500 – £10,000) grants available.
• More information here.

Leathersellers’ Company – Small Grants Programme

• Fast track application process for small one-off grants up to £3,000 for small charities supporting: the homeless (or those at risk of homelessness); provision of food and essential supplies; victims of domestic violence; or nursing care to vulnerable patients.
• Decisions will be made within 4 weeks of applying (though it is expected to be less than this) – applications will close on 11^th May 2020.
• More information on eligibility and applications here.

John Lewis Partnership Community Support Fund

• The John Lewis Partnership has launched a £1m Community Support Fund to be distributed by Waitrose shops to local communities.
• Teams in each shop will work together with their communities to choose the best way to use the fund – help could include setting up additional local delivery services to support those self-isolating, the vulnerable, the elderly and carers, or delivering boxes of staples to local care homes and community groups.
• For more information email Hannah Chance, Communications Manager, hannah.chance@waitrose.co.uk

National Emergencies Trust

• The National Emergencies Trust (NET) has launched an appeal to raise funds for local charities and grassroots organisations that can provide support to people in the quickest way.
• Individuals and charities should not apply directly to the NET for funds. Grant aid and how to apply to a local community foundation will be available from 23 March 2020.

Neighbourly Community Fund

• Neighbourly have launched the Neigbourly Community Fund, which is offering micro grants of up to £400 to support good causes helping communities affected by the Coronavirus outbreak.
• To apply, please note you already need to be registered as a Neighbourly member.

MoneySavingExpert – Coronavirus Charity Help Fund

• MoneySavingExpert’s Martin Lewis has provided £1m from his personal charity fund to provide grants of £5,000 to £20,000 to small registered charities, or local arms of bigger charities, across the UK to help with specific UK coronavirus-related poverty relief projects.
• On Tuesday 24^th March it was announced that the fund had been expanded to £3m.
• Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 25 March 2020 – the application form can be accessed here.
  Update: this fund is currently closed to new applications.

Tesco Bags of Help COVID-19 Communities Fund

• Short term fund to support local communities – they have created a streamlined application and payment process to make it easier to get funds distributed quickly.
• The fund will award single payments of £500 to organisations supporting vulnerable groups.
• Applications in some areas are currently on hold due to high demand – more information can be found here.

Children & Young People

Sylvia Adams Charitable Trust

• The Trust will make grant to organisations working to improve the life chances for some of the most disadvantaged children in England and Wales by investing in early intervention (0-3 year olds) and preventative work.
• As a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Trust has changed its application guidelines and processes. These are intended to assist small-medium charities with small sums of unrestricted funding during the pandemic.
• More information on eligibility and applications here.

Food & Agriculture

Funding Enlightened Agriculture – LEAP: Small emergency loan programme

• For a period of 3 months from the 1^st April, small unsecured loans from £5,000 – £20,000.
• 3-month capital and interest holiday, followed by 12-month capital holiday
• Interest rate: 5%; term: 5 years and 3 months – no arrangement fees
• The focus of this fund will be on established community food businesses and agroecological growers and can be used for anything that helps them navigate the crisis.
• More information on eligibility and agriculture can be here.

The Prince’s Countryside Fund – Rural Response Emergency Grants Programme

• Providing grants of up to £2,500 for emergency funding from farming and rural community support groups.
• Organisations are eligible for grants if they are: (i) providing emergency relief to vulnerable or isolated individuals, (ii) providing support to farmers and farm businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, or (iii) helping rural or farming communities to cope with the pandemic.
• More information on eligibility and applications here – applications close on 15 April 2020.

Wrap: COVID-19 Emergency Surplus Food Grants

• DEFRA is making £3.25m available through the Resource Action Fund administered by WRAP – this well be delivered in phases.
• Phase 1 – WRAP approached a target list of small redistribution organisations who have previously applied for funding to ascertain their immediate need for funding support.
• Phase 2 provides funding opportunities for small surplus food redistributors
• Phase 3 is aimed at medium-large operators
• More information on the fund here.

Homelessness

Crisis Emergency Grants Fund

• Fund to support local groups who are financially affected by additional demands on their resources and who have expanded their provision to meet the current needs of those experiencing homelessness across the UK.
• Awards up to £5k for short term responses to the coronavirus emergency; awards up to £50k to fund long term needs and potential expansion or change in service delivery.
• More information on eligibility and applications can be found here.

Heritage

Historic England: COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund

• Grants of up to £25,000 will be available to small heritage organisations – including voluntary organisations and self-employed contractors – to survive the current crisis.
• Grants of £50,000 are also available for projects and activities that reduce risks to heritage by providing information, resources and skills.
• More information can be found here.

National Lottery Heritage Fund: Heritage Emergency Fund

• £50m fund to support the heritage sector as an immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak – to address immediate pressures over the next three – six months for organisations most in need.
• £3,000 – £50,000 grants available, priority given where there is limited or no access to other sources of support; where heritage is most at risk; and where an organisation is at risk of severe financial crisis due to COVID-19
• More information on the fund can be accessed here.

Mental Health

Mental Health Response Fund

• £5m support from the Department for Health & Social Care has gone to set up the Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund.
• This is to help VCS organisations based in England continue to provide mental health services – or provide additional support.
• Grants of £20,000 or £50,000 are available for projects lasting up to 12 months.
• More information can be found here.

Research & Campaigns

Standard Life Foundation – Coronavirus Pandemic Fast Track Applications

• For research, policy and campaigning work – grants ranging from £5,000 to larger amounts for projects.
• Will fund a range of strategic work that has the potential to benefit large numbers of people within the UK. This work must aim to create a step change in policy, practice, attitudes and/or behaviour. It includes policy work, campaigning, research, public attitudinal work, and improving practice and design.
• No fixed deadline – more information on applications here.

Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

Facebook Small Business Grants Programme

• Facebook are offering $100m in cash grants and ad credits to businesses experiencing disruptions resulting from COVID-19 in over 30 countries.
• They will begin taking applications in the coming weeks – sign up here for updates.

The Prince’s Trust and Natwest Enterprise Relief Fund

• £5m Enterprise Relief Fund offering grants to 18 to 30 year olds across the UK who are self-employed and/or running their own businesses.
• In conjunction with cash grants, the initiative will offer one-to-one support and guidance to anyone
• Register interest for grants and tailored support here.

Sport

Sport England: Community Emergency Fund

• New £20m fund to help community sport and physical activity organsiations who are experiencing short term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations due to coronavirus
• Grants of between £300 to £10,000 are available – in exceptional circumstances awards of more than £10,000 will be considered.
• This is part of a wider £195m package to help sport and physical activity through coronavirus.
• More information on eligibility and applications can be found here.

Tech for Good

NHSX – TechForce19 Challenge

• NHSX is calling on all innovators who can support the elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating during COVID-19 to apply for government funding of up to £25,000 to test their solution
• The following areas are of interest: remote social care, optimising staffing in care and volunteering sectors, and mental health
• This competition is aimed at helping in the community, and they are not looking for solutions that are trying to solve clinical problems or require integration with NHS systems.
• More information here.

Support in Scotland

Third Sector Resilience Fund

• A £20m emergency fund for charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations working in Scotland.
• It will support organisations that already deliver services and products but find themselves in financial difficulties directly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
• The fund will be delivered by Firstport, Social Investment Scotland and the Corra Foundation, providing grants between £5,000 – £10,000. In addition there will be a further £5m available in 0% interest loans starting at £50,000.
• There is more information and an eligibility checker on the SCVO website here.

Business Gateway – Virtual and Local Business Support (COVID-19 Pandemic)

• Business Gateway have published a comprehensive list of free business resources and links to funding information for Scottish businesses.

Support in Northern Island

Coronavirus Community Fund

• Fund supporting community groups, particular in smaller geographical communities.
• Encouraging a partnership approach, and one application from one lead organisation, rather than a number of separate applications.
• Grants of between £1,000 to £10,000 available. Priority will be given to organisations with income levels below £500,000.
• More information here.

Support in Wales

Community Foundation Wales (Wales)

• Appeal for funds to support charities, community groups and non-profits working in Wales. Launched with an initial £200,000 from the Community Foundation Wales
• More information here.

Regional COVID-19 Support Funds

Bedfordshire & Luton – Bedfordshire Community Foundation – Coronavirus Emergency Fund

• The Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation has set up an emergency £180K fund from corporate donors to support local charities, social enterprises and community organisations.

Berkshire – Berkshire Community Foundation

• Grant fund for up to £5,0000 for local charities and smaller organisations in Berkshire providing support to the most vulnerable and isolated.
• More information here.

Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire – Quartet Community Foundation – Coronavirus Response Fund

• Grants up to £5,000 for single organisations and up to £20,000 for partnerships – work must support one or more of the following groups: the elderly, people with disabilities or underlying health conditions, the homeless, low income families, refugees and asylum seekers, people experiencing food poverty.
• More information here.

Cambridgeshire – Cambridgeshire Community Foundation – Coronavirus Community Fund

• Grants between £1,000 – £5,000, aiming to be processed in 5-10 days.
• Focusing on organisations to deal with issues in community affecting older people and the most vulnerable.
• More information here.

Cheshire & Warrington – Cheshire Community Foundation – Covid-19 Response Programme

• Fund to support charitable projects providing activities that help people self-isolating, provide funding to coordinate response and support volunteers, and increase capacity for organisations providing emergency support, such as foodbanks or benefits advice.
• More information here.

Cornwall – Cornwall Community Foundation – Emergency Fund

• Grants ranging from £500 – £3,000 – primarily for organisations that are working with vulnerable people affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. These are to cover the costs for additional work and in response to the needs of members or beneficiaries.
• No panel dates or a set deadline for this fund – applications are aiming to be turned around within a few days.
• More information here.

Coventry & Warwickshire – Heart of England Community Foundation – Coronavirus Resilience Fund

• Appeal to create a Coronavirus Resilience fund to help champion local communities and projects, ensuring that they are still being funded.

Cumbria – Cumbria Community foundation – COVID-19 Response Fund

• Grants for groups providing charitable activities in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Cumbria – offering smaller grants (circa £250) to community-based groups, mutual aid and self-help groups, and larger grants (over £,1000) to organisations offering district or county level support.
• More information here.

Derbyshire – Foundation Derbyshire – Coronavirus Fund

• Subject to available funds, initial focus on providing £1,000 to food banks and befriending services who will play a role in helping those in self-isolation.
• More information here.

Devon – Devon Community Foundation – Devon Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund

• Fund for small charities or community organisations in Devon supporting vulnerable groups affected by the coronavirus outbreak
• More information here.

Dorset – Dorset Community Foundation

• Launched appeal for coronavirus fund to assist charities in Dorset
• More information here.

Essex – Essex Community Foundation – Coronavirus Response and Recovery Programme

• Emergency grants of up to £15,000 – with priority given to those delivering vital services to older and vulnerable people, organisations helping to relieve pressure on public services, and those coordinating a local community response.
• More information here.

Gloucestershire – Gloucestershire Community Foundation – Coronavirus Emergency Response Fund

• Grants between £1,000 – £5,000 with a priority for coordinated volunteer programmes, and organisations picking up extra demand such as foodbanks, counselling services, advice organisations and befriending services
• More information here.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight – Hampshire & Isle of White Community Foundation

• Launched ‘We’re All Together’ Coronavirus appeal to award grants to help local charities, voluntary groups and community groups. Has already received £125,000 from VIVID (housing association.
• More information here.

Hertfordshire – Hertfordshire Community Foundation

• Launched Coronavirus Disaster Relief Fund appeal for local charities and community organisations in Hertfordshire.
• More information here.

Kent – Kent Community Foundation – Coronavirus Emergency Fund

• The Kent Community Foundation has created a fund for applications for grants up to £10,000.
• Priority will be given to constituted community groups, e.g. charities and CICs with an average income of less than £200,000 who are supporting isolated older people and the most vulnerable.

Leicestershire & Rutland – Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation – Coronavirus Support Fund

• Grants between £500 – £2,500 primarily for organisations providing direct services for older people, the vulnerable, and people who are isolated and lack a support network.
• Followed by organisations providing services for people with low / insecure incomes, people with mental health difficulties and people facing domestic violence.
• More information here.

Lincolnshire – Lincolnshire Community Foundation

• Launched appeal for COVID-19 crisis fund – aiming to provide £500 to £3,000 grants subject to fundraising.
• More information here.

London – London Funders – London Community Response Fund

• London Funders have launched an Emergency Support Fund of £9m to support London’s voluntary sector. London Funders will also be working with wider funders to bring more money together for the fund.
• There will be waves of funding – the first on urgent needs (small grants up to £5,000), though later funding will support organisations to deliver services in new ways to support communities and to ensure that longer-term needs are considered by the funding community.
• More information on eligibility and how to apply can be found here.

Milton Keynes – Milton Keynes Community Foundation – MK Emergency Appeal Fund

• Grants up to £2,000 subject to funding availability, to help organisations with charitable purposes to relieve hardship caused directly or indirectly by the Coronavirus pandemic.
• More information here.

Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales – Steve Morgan Foundation

• Philanthropist and Businessman Steve Morgan has pledged £1m a week to charities working with the most vulnerable during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Norfolk – Norfolk Community Foundation

• Launched appeal for Covid-19 Community Response Fund to support local charities.
• More information here.

Northamptonshire – Northamptonshire Community Foundation

• Launched fundraising appeal for Response and Recovery Fund for supporting vulnerable people in the county.
• More information here.

Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire Community Foundation

• Launched appeal for Community Resilience Fund, kickstarted with a direct donation from the Indigo Trust.
• More information here.

Somerset – Somerset Community Foundation

• Launched Somerset Coronavirus Appeal to raise funds for local charitable groups.
• More information here.

Stoke & Staffordshire – Community Foundation

• Grants up to £1,000 available for local organisations supporting the costs of providing vital services.
• More information here.

Suffolk – Suffolk Community Foundation

• Launched appeal for donations towards the Suffolk Coronavirus Community Fund.
• More information here.

Surrey – Community Foundation for Surrey – Coronavirus Response Fund

• Grants up to £5,000 for community and voluntary organisations providing support to the most vulnerable / isolated including: the elderly, people with disabilities, people with mental health needs, people on low incomes, and families with young children.
• More information here.

Sussex – Sussex Community Foundation – Sussex Crisis Fund

• Emergency grants of up to £5,000 for community and voluntary sector in Sussex
• More information here.

Tyne & Wear and Northumberland – Community Foundation – Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund

• The Community Foundation has set up this fund to support older people and other vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• It will support local charities across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland in two stages: response (getting money to organisations that support older people and the vulnerable), then recovery (fund wider local charities and community organisations who are affected by the outbreak).
• More information on the fund can be found here.

Tyne & Wear and Northumberland– Northumbria Police & Crime Commissioner – Coronavirus Response Fund

• £200,000 fund to support large and small charities who are struggling to retain their offer of support to victims and communities in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Any local charity, voluntary, social enterprises and community groups may apply – funding projects that support victims, improve people’s lives to prevent crime, or build community resilience.
• More information here.

Wilshire & Swindon – Wiltshire Community Foundation

• Launched appeal for Coronavirus response fund to provide emergency help to voluntary groups in the county.
• More information here.

West Berkshire & North Hampshire – Greenham Trust – COVID-19 Emergency Fund

• The Greenham Trust has announced a COVID-19 Emergency Fund for local charities and voluntary organisations who are supporting the elderly and vulnerable people.

West Yorkshire – Community Foundation For Calderdale

• The Community Foundation for Calderdale are offering grants of £1000 to local charities to help the most vulnerable.

York, North Yorkshire, the East Riding of Yorkshire and Hull – Two Ridings Community Foundation – Coronavirus Community Fund

• Grants of up to £2,000 available to voluntary organisations, community groups, small charities or other non-profits dealing with emerging issues in the community as a result of coronavirus
• More information here.

Additional Resources and Advice

Bates Wells – Coronavirus Legal Insights

• Bates Wells have uploaded a set of useful resources and legal insights for charities and social enterprises trying to navigate the impacts of COVID-19, including solvency considerations, new approaches to procurement, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Scheme and Charity Insolvency and Rescue Mechanisms.

Coronavirus Funders List – 100+ Charity Emergency Funders (updated regularly)

• A comprehensive list on LinkedIn detailing emergency funding for charities – UK wide, UK country, regional, local and global, Government financial support, specialist funding and platforms.

Coronavirus Tech Handbook

• A library of resources for organisations to collaborate on an agile and sophisticated response to the coronavirus outbreak and sequential impacts. It is a rapidly evolving resource with thousands of active expert contributors.

Community Business COVID-19 Mutual Aid Group

• A mutual aid group run by and for community businesses – running a weekly Zoom call every Tuesday at 11am to discuss issues and share best practice with peers.
• More information on the group and additional resources can be found here.

Covid-19 Funders

• Page produced by London Funders, the membership body for funders and investors in London’s civil society. Page brings together advice for funders during Covid-19

Charity Bank – COVID-19 Resource Hub for Charities and Social Enterprises

• A helpful resource for information on Government support, as well as a list of emergency funding for charities and social enterprises during the pandemic.

Charity Excellence Framework

• The Charity Excellence Framework (CEF) platform has been updated to include free Coronavirus assessments, toolkits and resources. You can fully assess your charity’s effectiveness and resilience in less than one day, with results linked to the largest resource base in the charity sector.
• They have published a bumper list of COVID19 funders – 250+, with links to other funder lists; total 1000+ globally.

Charity Finance Group Guidance

• CFG provides financial management advice & support to the VCSE sector. This page sets out its COVID-19 guidance to charities.

Charity Tax Group

• Charity Tax Group have published a Coronavirus Information Hub to support the wider sector.

Civil Society Magazine – Advice on working remotely

• Civil Society have written a ‘how-to’ article with helpful advice on remote working during the Coronavirus.

Cooperatives UK

• Cooperatives UK have published specific COVID-19 advice for co-ops.
• They hosted a free webinar on Tuesday 24^th March for cooperatives worried about the impact of funding on their business and employees which is available to watch now. They are hosting another webinar on Cashflow and business re-forecasting, Monday 20 April, 2-3PM
• They have also published an HR package with advice for employers during COVID-19

Fundraising Regulator Events Guidance

• This page sets out the Fundraising Regulator’s advice on fundraising during COVID-19.

Institute of Fundraising

• Fundraising events are likely to be significantly affected over the coming months with large events like London Marathon being postponed. The Institute for Fundraising has published advice for fundraisers.
• They are running a survey on how coronavirus will impact charities finances which will be turned into policy asks from the Government.

IVAR

• Offering online peer support sessions for leaders of smaller voluntary organisations experiencing stress and a prolonged period of uncertainty.

Lloyds Bank Academy

• Lloyds Bank Academy is making their online training and business support free for charities during the COVID-19 outbreak

Locality

• Locality members can access support, advice and webinars here. They have also published a briefing note for their members.
• They held a webinar on 24 March on COVID-19 updates, evidence and support for members which can be viewed here. The most recent webinar from Friday 3^rd April can be viewed here.

London Funders

• London Funders have set up a dedicated website on behalf of their wider network of COVID-19 funders with sector news and updates.

National Business Response Network

• Business in the Community are convening a unique network of purposeful leaders to share insight, expertise and create innovative programmes that deliver impact.
• This aims to support voluntary and community organisations with an online platform for asks and offers.

NCVO

• NCVO have published comprehensive information on charities and coronavirus.

North East Growth Hub

• The North East Growth Hub have produced a COVID-19 Toolkit with the latest guidance for businesses and employers, as well as a survey to help them provide the appropriate support during this period.

SEUK

• SEUK are publishing regular updates on their Coronavirus Support and Resources page (including a helpful briefing note) which includes a community and peer support network and practical guidance.
• They are also conducting a Social Enterprise COVID-19 impact survey to inform the design of measures to help the sector.
• SEUK have created a section specifically with resources and advice for Health and Social Care charities and social enterprises.
• There is a dedicated email for organisations to get in touch: covid19@socialenterprise.org.uk

School for Social Entrepreneurs

• The School for Social Entrepreneurs has published a list of resources, guidance and practical advice on their website.

The Social Change Agency

• The Social Change Agency are providing a fiscal hosting platform to support community groups and collectives set up in response to COVID-19 with financial administration.

UK Community Foundations

• Postcode search to find local Community Foundation, to view funding opportunities during COVID-19.

UMI

• UMI have released advice and support on their website focusing on how to finance businesses through COVID-19.

Volunteering Matters

• Volunteering Matters has put out a call to businesses across the UK to identify / volunteer staff with limited or reduced capacity to help support the needs of the charity sector over the coming months.
• These include skill areas such as: public relations and digital communications; general IT and system skills; risk and health assessors; logistics; other pro-bono servies.
• There is a survey for businesses to complete – Volunteering Matters will hold a database and help to assign support to areas of need.

Relevant Statements on COVID-19

• London Funders Statement (co-signed by SIB)
• Social Investors Respond to COVID-19 (co-signed by SIB)
• SIB’s COVID-19 Update